Nine Buddhist monks were killed and others in their procession were injured when they were struck by a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy in Mukdahan province, Thailand. The group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a road as part of a pilgrimage when the incident occurred.
According to police, five monks died at the scene, and four more succumbed to their injuries later in the hospital. Authorities stated the boy took his parents' vehicle without their consent before losing control and crashing into the procession. The vehicle has been sent for forensic examination to determine the exact cause of the crash. Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa indicated that the legal process for the child is still under consideration, noting that the suspect is a minor. The boy is currently being cared for by officials, including his guardians and doctor. Preliminary information suggests he has special needs, though further details have not been released. Mukdahan Hospital has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations to assist the injured monks. Three monks remain in critical condition, while at least five others sustained serious injuries. Additional individuals are being treated for less severe wounds.
One monk who was part of the procession described hearing a chanting mantra before witnessing the truck approach at high speed and crash into the group. He and another monk managed to jump out of the way in time. The first nine monks in the line were hit, with some being thrown into the air.
Buddhist monks hold a revered position in Thailand, tasked with preserving and transmitting Buddhist teachings. Public processions are common, often involving laypeople offering alms and necessities to monks as a gesture of respect.
Initial police inquiries revealed that the child suspect was home alone because he was unwell and did not attend school on the day of the incident. His guardians alerted the police after realizing the vehicle was missing. Mukdahan provincial governor Worayan Bunnarat stated that the tragedy should serve as a broader warning about road safety in Thailand, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility, particularly from parents, to prevent similar accidents.